Transcript passive voice

Using Active Verbs
Passive vs. Active Voice
Active and Passive Voice
Active Voice
• A verb is said to be in the active
voice when it expresses an action
performed by its subject.
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O
• Active: The author provides helpful diagrams.
Passive Voice
• A verb is in the passive voice when
the action it expresses is
performed upon its subject.
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prep. phrase
• Passive: Helpful diagrams are provided (by the author. )
Be conscious of your verb
choices.
• The passive voice puts the emphasis on the
person or thing receiving the action
rather than upon the one performing it.
• It is often used in situations in which the
speaker does not know or does not wish
to say who performed the action.
• Although useful for these purposes, the
passive construction can easily be
overused.
• Avoid a succession of passive sentences,
which sound weak and awkward.
Classifying Sentences by Voice:
• Indicate whether each of the
following sentences is active
or passive.
Number One
The album was reviewed
unfavorably by most
critics.
Passive!
Number Two
The student body elects the
council president.
Active!
Number Three
Angelo’s courageous act
averted a tragedy.
Active!
Number Four
A bit part was played (by the
famous director).
Passive!
Number Five
Someone ( at the airport
)recognized the popular
rock star.
Active!!
Number Six
A volunteer usually leads
the discussion.
ACTIVE!!
Number Seven
That counting game is played
by children all over the
world.
PASSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Number Eight
A prophet’s warnings are
usually ignored at first.
PASSIVE!!!??!!!
Number Nine
W. C. Handy composed the
blues classic “St. Louis
Blues.”
ACTIVE!
Number Ten
Handy’s contributions to
jazz music are appreciated
by modern musicians.
PASSIVE!!
ONE FINAL REMINDER
• In your own writing, work to make
your verbs “active” whenever
possible.
• Passive voice construction
should be limited to situations in
which the subject is unclear.